.

.

The Tomales bar can be especially dangerous with high swell and fog. Add a probable lack of experience to the boaters and no PFDs being worn and it becomes a recipe for a tragic event. NCKA may harp constantly on ocean dangers and the need to wear a life jacket but the message gets through to it's members. A sealed water shedding kayak is a safer craft under many conditions than a larger open boat.

RIP, So sad a simple PFD might have given them a chance.

This is very sad news and crab season hasn't even started yet.

Sad news

A sealed water shedding kayak is a safer craft under many conditions than a larger open boat.

A lot of truth in that.

Very sad...the bar area is no joke...

Sincerely,

Jim

It's unfortunate but it seems like this happens every year. RIP to those in involved. I hope
there is something posted or there is an education safety awareness campaign.

Here is the one:

http://dbw.ca.gov/Pubs/TomalesBay/TomalesBay.pdf
 

I will never get on a boat out there without a lifejacket on at all times!

I will never get on a boat out there without a lifejacket on at all times!

That's the safest way. 

Lived here My whole life and have  watched the mouth of Tomales claim so many lives.   

This happens all the time. There are warnings posted all over the place. Tragedy? I suppose, but to be labelled a tragedy, you have to look at all the factors. I wouldn't even call this an accident. I call it ignorance. At some point, people need to be held accountable for their actions. I feel for the family's loss, but this will happen again.

This happens all the time. There are warnings posted all over the place. Tragedy? I suppose, but to be labelled a tragedy, you have to look at all the factors. I wouldn't even call this an accident. I call it ignorance. At some point, people need to be held accountable for their actions. I feel for the family's loss, but this will happen again.

When all appears calm and there is a sneaker wave that rolls a boat I would consider that an accident.  Any one of us could get into a situation that appears to be under control, but could turn bad without warning.  And it is not limited to Tomales Bay. 

Not having safety equipment immediately available or on can be ignorance or just complacency.  Either way it's sad and I hope others learn from it. 

I read that document on Tomales Bay that was posted and it provided great info for folks new to the area.  I will definitely keep it in my mind while out there. 

I saw on the news where it was said they came around the point and got hit by a 'sneaker', then another.
If it's calm on one side of a point it doesn't mean it's calm on the other.
The mouth of Tomales can get ripping at times.
I wasn't there so I don't know what happened, but for 'experienced' boaters they should have been wearing PFDs at the very least.
So sad and more than likely avoidable.
RIP